Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies struck out 14 batters in seven innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, but Philadelphia lost 5-3.
Over the course of the game, Wheeler allowed three runs on four hits and two walks. Austin Meadows’ first-inning home run drove in two of those runs. Ji-Man Choi later singled to plate the other.
Between innings, Wheeler struck out 11 batters in a row, including seven in a row.
On 48 swings, Wheeler’s fastball averaged 97 mph and induced 18 whiffs. His curveball and slider combined for nine swinging strikes, according to Statcast.
Wheeler has 14 strikeouts this season, second only to Jacob deGrom’s 15 against the Washington Nationals in April. (DeGrom also led two of the five 14-kilometer runs.) Wheeler also set a personal best.
He had previously struck out 12 batters on two occasions: once in 2013 and again against the Boston Red Sox in his most recent appearance.
In his first 10 starts this season, Wheeler had a 2.38 ERA (162 ERA+) and a 5.52 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His strikeout rate (29.7%) and walk rate (5.3%) were both career highs for him.
The Phillies were unable to win despite Wheeler’s efforts. In 2/3 of an inning in the eighth inning, relievers Sam Coonrod and José Alvarado allowed two singles, two walks, and two runs.
(The final out went to Archie Bradley.) In the meantime, the Phillies offense was unable to put pressure on the Rays’ bullpen. The Phillies were kept out for 4 2/3 innings, despite Matt Joyce’s game-tying home run against Jeffrey Springs.
Zack Wheeler Contract
The Philadelphia Phillies signed Zack Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million contract, with $118 million guaranteed.
Zack Wheeler Salary
Zack Wheeler receives an annual average salary of $23,600,000
Zack Wheeler Net Worth
Zack Wheeler has a net worth of $10 million to $30 million.